Survey Says the Average Home is Completely Clean Just Two Weeks a Year
Your spring cleaning has long since passed and your summer spruce up was months ago if indeed you partook in both, but a new survey says if you haven’t, you’re…
Detail view of Swiffer Wetjet electronic mop, Lafayette, California, April 28, 2022. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
(Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)The Dirty Truth: 11 Days of Cleanliness
In a world where our homes serve as our sanctuaries, it's astonishing to think that they're "completely clean" for such a short period. The survey found that it takes an average of five days for people to get the cleaning ball rolling once they decide their home needs a makeover. So, what's happening during those initial five days? Perhaps we're admiring our clutter or conducting a scientific experiment to see how many crumbs can accumulate on the kitchen counter? Who knows!
The Great Cleaning Marathon
Once the cleaning countdown begins, it's all hands on deck! Respondents reported spending around six days each year on cleaning tasks. But here's the kicker: 68 percent of those surveyed will dedicate an entire day to cleaning and sanitizing a specific room. If you're nodding in agreement because you've done this too, you're not alone.
The Battle of the Rooms
So, which room gets the star treatment? For 63 percent of respondents, it's the kitchen. That's where the culinary magic happens, after all. And it's not just the pots and pans that need attention – think about those pesky crumbs, sauce splatters, and the mystery stains that seem to appear overnight.
Following closely behind are the bathroom and living room, both at 57 percent. We can all understand the importance of a pristine bathroom – it's our daily oasis for personal hygiene. And the living room? It's where we unwind and entertain, so it must be presentable.
The bedroom and home office tie at 47 percent. The bedroom is our sanctuary for rest and relaxation, so it makes sense to keep it fresh. And given the recent surge in remote work, it's no surprise that the home office gets its fair share of cleaning attention.
The 11-Day Challenge: Keep It Clean!
Now that we've uncovered these cleaning secrets, what can we do about them? Well, the first step is to acknowledge that it's perfectly normal for homes to have their "not-so-clean" moments. Life gets busy, and sometimes, the vacuum just has to wait.
However, we can all strive to increase those 11 clean days per year. Consider making a cleaning schedule, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and involving your household members in the process. It's amazing how much can be accomplished when everyone chips in.
And remember, cleanliness doesn't have to be a chore. Put on your favorite music, create a cleaning playlist, and make the process fun. Turn it into a challenge – can you beat the 11-day record?
In the end, a clean and organized home can lead to a happier and healthier lifestyle. So, embrace the 11-day wonder, but don't be afraid to stretch it to 12, 13, or more! Your home will thank you, and you'll enjoy a brighter, more comfortable space year-round. Happy cleaning, everyone!
The poll, which was commissioned by Lysol, also showed respondents spend an average of six days a year to do that cleaning, with nearly 70% devoting an entire day getting a specific room spick-and-span.
Sixty-three percent say that room is the kitchen; 57% give their bathrooms the full-day treatment, and the same percentage spend the day cleaning their living room. Forty-seven percent spend that day cleaning the bathroom and/or the home office.
Rugs and carpets top the list when it comes to deep cleaning, with 68% of respondents digging deep on those; the floors were the second-most popular to clean at 63%, followed by clothes at 57%.
Appliances and countertops rounded out the top five must-clean spots at 30% and 29%, respectively.
6 Surprising Chores That Can Actually Make You Feel Good
For most people, chores are an inevitable part of daily life. Whether it's cleaning the house, doing the laundry, or grocery shopping, there always seems to be something that needs to be done. While chores can be time-consuming and tedious, they are also an essential part of maintaining a clean and organized living space. Completing chores can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and contribute to a more comfortable and enjoyable home environment.
Also, completing chores can actually bring a sense of happiness and fulfillment. For many people, a clean and organized living space can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being. Regular chores, such as cleaning and decluttering, can help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a calmer and more serene living environment.
Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a task, no matter how small, can boost confidence and self-esteem. While it may be tempting to put off chores in favor of more enjoyable activities, taking the time to complete these tasks can ultimately lead to a more satisfying and enjoyable home life.
There are many different types of chores that can bring about a sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Here are chores that actually make you feel good.
Mowing The Lawn
For some, being outside in the fresh air and sunshine while doing physical work can be quite enjoyable. There's something about seeing a freshly cut and neat lawn that can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment. This can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction. Also, the rhythmic motion of mowing the lawn can be meditative for some people, which allows to clear their minds and reduce stress levels.
Laundry
The process of doing laundry can provide a sense of accomplishment and productivity. It involves completing a task from start to finish. And the act of folding and organizing freshly washed clothes can be satisfying for some people, helping them create a more organized and tidy living space. The task of doing laundry can also be an aromatic experience with the fresh and clean scent of newly washed clothes. That surely can lift a person’s mood.
Dishes
Washing dishes may not be the most glamorous of tasks, but it can actually be a chore that brings happiness. For some, the act of washing dishes can be a meditative activity that allows them to focus on the task at hand and clear their mind of other distractions.
Cleaning The Bathroom
Scrubbing away grime and dirt and restoring order to a space that may have become chaotic, can provide a sense of accomplishment and even a feeling of control over one's environment. while cleaning the bathroom may not be everyone's favorite chore, it can certainly be a task that brings a sense of peace and contentment to those who find joy in tidying up their living spaces.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming, like any other chore, can bring a sense of happiness and accomplishment to some people. Cleaning up dust, debris, and other particles from carpets and floors can provide a tangible sense of progress and order. Especially when you see the results of a freshly vacuumed space. Some people enjoy the sound and motion that a vacuum cleaner creates. It’s almost like a a sense of calm and relaxation, which can be therapeutic.
Cooking
Figuring out what to eat daily and having to cook it may not be enjoyable for some people. Cooking can be considered a chore, especially if they feel like they have to cook out of necessity rather than as a hobby or a creative outlet. It can provide a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and creativity. When you’re preparing a meal for yourself or others, it can be a way to express your love and care for those you are feeding. Also, cooking can be a stress-relieving activity that allows you to focus your attention on the task at hand and forget about other worries for a while.
